Cle Elum River Group Site
4.497 reviews23931 Salmon La Sac Road, Ronald, WA 98940, USA
Cle Elum River Group Site
$158.00 - $158.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$158.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group facility fees are set at $158 per night during peak season (May 23 - September 20). Fees do not reflect discounts, taxes, or additional charges.
About this campground
Nestled deep within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Cle Elum River Group Site beckons families and adventure groups seeking an authentic Pacific Northwest camping experience. This spacious, reservable campground sits at 2,300 feet elevation, where the rushing Cle Elum River provides a natural soundtrack to your wilderness retreat. Purpose-built for larger gatherings, this site offers the perfect basecamp for groups ready to explore the stunning Cascade wilderness together.
Cle Elum River Group Site is a large group camping site within the Cle Elum River Campground, offering a group standard nonelectric site.
Historical SignificanceWhile the specific cultural history of this site remains untold, the surrounding Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has served as a vital corridor for indigenous peoples, early settlers, and modern adventurers alike, each leaving their mark on these ancient lands.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal shifts of the Cascades, where sun-drenched summer days invite endless outdoor adventures and crystal-clear winter nights reveal star-studded skies above snow-laden peaks. The campground's unique position creates a fascinating microclimate – areas closer to the Cascade Crest receive abundant precipitation that feeds lush forests, while locations farther east enjoy drier conditions perfect for fair-weather camping.
ElevationPerched at 2,300 feet above sea level, the campground occupies a sweet spot where mountain air stays refreshingly cool even on warm summer days. This elevated position rewards campers with sweeping vistas of surrounding peaks while gentle mountain breezes whisper through the towering conifers, creating nature's own air conditioning system.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where ancient forests meet alpine grandeur. Towering mixed-conifer forests create a natural cathedral around your campsite, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Beyond the treeline, dramatic high alpine peaks pierce the sky, their glaciated slopes telling stories of ice ages past. This remarkable ecosystem showcases nature's artistry, from intimate forest groves to expansive mountain vistas.
Geological RegionThe Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest presents a geological wonderland where diverse ecosystems converge. Here, dense mixed-conifer forests give way to dramatic high alpine peaks and valleys carved by ancient glaciers. The landscape transitions from lush, moss-draped old-growth forests to stark glaciated ridgelines, with pockets of shrub-steppe adding unexpected diversity to this mountain tapestry. This complex terrain offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly described in the provided information.
Sites SizeThe group site is noted as 'very large', with plenty of individual sites according to Jake C.
Sites PrivacySome reviews indicate privacy limitations due to road noise. For example, Angela B noted, 'The road noise was a bit of a problem but fades in the evening.'
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites close to the river provide easy access to fishing and swimming.
Best CampsitesGroup site 1 is the only available campsite.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Guests are limited to the capacity of the group campsite. Exact number of guests is unspecified.
Groups
The group site is large and suitable for family or group gatherings. User Jake C describes it as 'Very large group site with plenty of individual sites.'
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe site is spacious and suitable for large groups, with picnic tables, grills, and vault toilets.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 23, 2025 to September 26, 2026. Closed during winter months.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not specified; reservations are strongly recommended.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies for all reservations canceled before the arrival date. Late cancellations (less than 14 days prior) incur an additional fee of forfeiting the first night's rate. No-shows are charged $20 and forfeit the first night's rate.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Cle Elum River Group Site offers a mix of summer and winter recreational activities. In summer and early fall, campers can enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, and birding, while winter activities include skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. The nearby French Cabin Creek Sno-Park accommodates winter activities, and Speelyi Beach is another popular nearby attraction for beach-related activities.
Hiking
The nearby Pacific Crest Trail provides access to spectacular hiking opportunities, showcasing views of glaciated alpine peaks and valleys of old-growth forest.Fishing
Anglers can fish for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and kokanee salmon in the Cle Elum River and nearby reservoir.Swimming
Speelyi Beach, located nearby, offers wading, swimming, and space for water-based recreation. User Allison W mentions, 'Not 'on' the river, but a short walk.'Boating
Speelyi Beach provides opportunities for kayaking along the shore at sunset.Wildlife viewing
The campground's mixed-conifer forest and surrounding wilderness support deer, porcupine, native fish, and migratory birds.Beach activities
Speelyi Beach offers a wide sandy beach with swimming and kayaking opportunities. 'Those searching for deeper water will enjoy a kayak outing along the shore at sunset,' according to the authoritative source.Winter Activities
Winter activities include skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, supported by nearby French Cabin Creek Sno-Park.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are noted as popular activities at Speelyi Beach.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire bans are enforced during peak seasons to prevent forest fires. Visitors are encouraged to use local firewood.
- Quiet hours are implied but not explicitly detailed.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential wildlife hazards include bears and deer. Visitors are warned about loud music from riverside properties during peak seasons.
Active alertsSeasonal fire bans may be in effect, restricting the use of campfire pits.
Weather forecast
94
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 20%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available at Cle Elum (15 miles away), including hospitals and police.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - September 20 annually
Trash and recyclingTrash collection services are available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresA short walk to Cle Elum River provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, and birding.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include road noise and disturbances from nearby properties at night. Loud music and screaming have been reported by users during peak seasons.
HostCampground hosts have been praised for their local knowledge and assistance. One host, Crystal, was described as 'the best camp host in history.'
Campground Map
23931 Salmon La Sac Road, Ronald, WA 98940, USA
Driving directionsFrom Cle Elum, Washington, take State Highway 903 north for 15 miles. Turn left at the campground sign. At the T in the road turn right into the group site.
The campground is accessible via paved roads and clearly marked from State Highway 903. Roads are in good condition and suitable for regular vehicles.Nearby places
Cle Elum (15 miles, approximately 25 minutes), Ronald (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, fuel, and camping essentials are available in Cle Elum, 15 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.5
7 reviews
Cle Elum River Group Site is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the spaciousness of the group site, its proximity to the river, and the helpfulness of the campsite host. Noise from nearby roads and occasional disturbances from local residences are noted as drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive highlights include the spaciousness of the group site, clean toilets, potable water availability, and the great communication with hosts. Several users praised the site's suitability for...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include road noise and disturbances from nearby residences playing loud music. For example, Kevin M reported loud music and screaming 'kept most all of our tent campers awake till about...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Recommended tips include arriving with water jugs/buckets for potable water and discussing disturbances with the host or police if necessary. Angela B suggests exploring hikes and a fresh spring...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews generally indicate favorable conditions for swimming, fishing, and hiking. Winter months are closed for camping but support skiing and snowshoeing at nearby Sno-Park. Late summer...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Camping host was great help! Close to river. I would visit again.' - Kim Del Torto
2. 'Very large group site with plenty of individual sites.' - Jake C
3. 'Nice spacious site with lots of room...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 1 is frequently mentioned in reviews, noted for its spaciousness and suitability for group gatherings. Positive reviews include Allison W stating the site was 'Very nice spot.' Negative notes...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025